How To Install Chair Rail Without A Nail Gun: 5 Easy Steps

Using wall glue or caulk with finishing nails is the best way how to install a chair rail without a nail gun. You may think that you need fancy tools to get the job done, but you will be surprised by how better it is to look for alternatives.

This molding will help bring your living space together and protect your walls from damage. It’s a great DIY project to add to your home.

how to install chair rail without a nail gun

 

What Is Chair Rail Molding? 

In the past, chair rail molding was used to protect the walls from being damaged by chairs. Now, it’s an attractive feature to add to any home.

Have you ever looked at your walls and thought they looked bland? Well, chair rail molding can help you with that. It’s an elegant and chic wall decoration that can bring any room together.

This wall decor doesn’t only add aesthetics to your living space, and it also has several practical uses!

 

The Benefits Of Using Chair Rail Molding

Imagine your walls have got some chipped paint or a stain. Then, when you take a closer look, you realize your wall looks so dull. How can you give your home a makeover?

Chair rail moldings are your answer. It can cover blemishes on your wall or make uneven paint jobs less obvious.

It’s a simple way to add texture and dimension to any room, making your home fit as a magazine cover.

Chair rail moldings even add value to your home. If you ever think about selling or renting out, remember that buyers prefer houses with this feature.

 

How High Should Your Chair Rail Molding Be?

You need to make sure the moldings are placed in the right area, so they give the best effect. It should catch the eye, but it shouldn’t make the room look small.

The best place to put it is in the lower third of the room. It will give the perfect depth without being too overbearing.

It’s also good to align the lower edges of your windows with the molding. It can bring the whole look of the room together.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Use A Nail Gun To Install Moldings

Now you know everything about chair rail moldings, so how do you install them? First, you’re going to need a lot of nails.

A nail gun is a popular way to install moldings, but there are better and simpler alternatives that can give you great results.

Wall glue and caulk do a great job of sticking molds to walls. Why do you have to look for these alternatives, though? What do they have that nail guns don’t?

Nail guns can be pricey, so adhesives and finishing nails are great when you’re in a hurry to finish your project. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous when not handled properly. Sticking to adhesives can help you avoid horrible accidents.

The guns will also damage the molding and the wall if not used properly. It would be a waste of your beautiful molding to get a crack.

Finally, it may be inconvenient to permanently fix the molding to your wall using a nail gun. What if you want to renovate your house or remove the chair rail? It will be a hassle to remove, and the marks left will be hard to repair.

Finishing nails, don’t go too deep into the wall so that the damage will be less. That’s why doing it manually is the right way to go! It’s simple and convenient, and it keeps your home flexible to any changes.

 

Step-By-Step Process On Chair Rail Installation

Now, it’s time to get to work! You have your materials ready, and you’re excited to make your home beautiful.

 

Step #1. Measure your space

Remember that it should go on the lower third of your house, and double-check if you have the right amount of molding. There should be an allowance for corners, so you don’t end up with spaces.

 

Step #2. Cut the molding

You can cut the angles with a miter saw or have the hardware store do it.

 

Step #3. Drill into the studs of your wall

When you find the studs in your walls, hold the mold up and drill holes through them into the wall. Remember not to go too deep, though!

 

Step #4. Fasten your molding

Now you can start the most important part! First, apply some wall glue, stick the molding on, and then use finishing nails to secure it.

Again, remember not to go too deep, just enough to secure the chair rail. You can use a finishing tool afterward to make your work neat.

 

Step #5. Do the finishing touches

Use wood putty to cover the nails and caulk to fasten edges together. You can use it on the top and bottom of your work. Please leave it to dry overnight.

The next day, run some sandpaper over to smoothen your caulk and putty. Then, you may paint as desired.

 

Conclusion

Chair rails are a great accessory to any room, and no fancy tools are necessary! When you learn how to install a chair rail without a nail gun, you will have a comfortable living space that everyone will love.

Leave a Comment